transfermation tuesday

Meet transfer student Alanah Gorczynski, a rising senior communications studies major within the College of Communication & Creative Arts, from Stratford, NJ (Camden County). Alanah transferred to Rowan University from Penn State during her freshmen year.

“I was looking for that home-feeling. A place where I can get to know the professors I’m learning from and recognize the faces I’m passing every day. When I came to Rowan, during my first class I realized right away that this is where I belong. I feel like Rowan is a close family – everyone knows each other, everyone fits in with each other, and everyone is just really friendly.”

“I transferred from Brookdale Community College because I loved the education program here and the campus – far from home but also not too far travel-wise.” “I love kids so my passion is to teach special education kindergarteners. I have also danced all my life and I still do in my spare time.” Photo by: […]

Meet Austin Gilliss, a junior health and physical education major from Merchantville, NJ (Camden County) who is a Blackwood Eagle Scout & Alpha Phi Delta fraternity brother who transferred from Camden County College.

“Transferring from a community college to a university can be challenging. You’re trying to figure out where you fit in and how to fit in. I am a brother of a new fraternity here on campus, Alpha Phi Delta, and I’m starting up a frisbee golf club with a bunch of guys who share similar interests with me,” says Austin.

“We’re working together to form a frisbee golf team that will launch this coming fall semester. Come out and see what we’re about! It’s great that I have the opportunity to propose a new club to the Rec Center here at Rowan. Everyone is welcome to join, contact me if you’re interested!”

“Everybody is super helpful here since I have transferred. They’re willing to help and they truly want you to be successful, so it’s easy to talk to them and get advice from others.” Zac Chalow, a junior business management major from Vineland, NJ (Cumberland County). Zac transferred from Rowan College at Gloucester County last semester.

Meet Jelani James, a senior journalism major who lives on campus in 114 Victoria from Stratford, NJ (Camden County). Jelani transferred to Rowan last fall from Villanova University.

What wakes you up in the morning? “The drive to graduate! I’m finally a senior and I’ve waited so long for this moment. I want my family to see what I’ve been working so hard for.”

Could you share a moment you’ve experienced in which you have felt that Rowan is a welcoming environment for you? “Coming to Rowan’s campus, I wasn’t really introduced to any organizations other than sports. I was finally introduced to a Jewish organization I found very welcoming and a great opportunity to make new friends.”

And lastly, why did you choose Rowan? “I chose Rowan because it was the school I knew the most about when transferring. Being away from home in another state was fun, but I knew I wouldn’t want to go that far again. I was familiar with the environment at Rowan and I knew it’d be a perfect fit for me.”

How has a faculty or staff member here helped to connect you with the next step for your career?

“When I first came to Rowan, I thought that I would experience difficulty in my educational and professional journey because I wasn’t aware of all the resources Rowan had, nor could I take advantage of them. However, after meeting with my advisor Megan Kately before the semester began, we discussed in depth my plan for my future at Rowan. She gave me resources for clubs, discussed concentrations I could focus in, and overall presented me with ample opportunities to get involved and I am very thankful for that.”

Tell us about your transition into Rowan.

“I was nervous to transfer, but immediately felt welcomed and at home once I moved down to Glassboro. I was excited to continue my education journey at a school I have always loved. Additionally, I was nervous about my classes, but was blessed with great professors and a functional schedule, which has helped my adjustment to Rowan tremendously.”

And lastly, why Rowan?

“I chose to transfer to Rowan University because of the professional opportunities they provide. My sister, an alumna of Rowan, has succeeded in her professional career, and attributes many of her successful opportunities to Rowan. I am excited to see what Rowan has in store for me!”

Meet transfer student Katherine Villacis, a junior civil engineering major from Beverly, NJ (Burlington County) who is a resident assistant here on campus. Katherine recently served as a student panelist on Rowan’s first generation college student symposium, hosted by Flying First.

Could you share a moment you’ve experienced in which you have felt that Rowan is a welcoming environment for you?

“One of my first experiences since I transferred was just taking the leap and getting involved. Being an RA helps me know what’s going on around campus and connect me to resources. I’ve met returning and professional staff who want to see me succeed. Flying First, Rowan’s support program for first generation college students, is also welcoming environment. We recently had a symposium that was open to other schools, with student panelists discussing their first generation experience.”

Why did you choose Rowan?

“I chose Rowan because of convenience. I went to Rowan College at Burlington County and the programs here made it easier for me to transfer. I didn’t know at first where I wanted to go, but heard great things about the engineering program and knew this was something that could work out.”

Meet transfer student Hannah Marcellina, a junior radio/TV/film and theatre major who commutes from Williamstown, New Jersey (Gloucester County). What wakes you up in the morning? There is a great sense of community and support at Rowan. It is such a good feeling knowing that not only do I have friends here that genuinely want me to succeed, […]